Subaru Confirms Sporty BRZ, Shows Adventure Concept

Subaru has confirmed an STI-tuned version of the BRZ is on its way and hinted that a concept adventure wagon, based on the Crosstrek, may also come to Australia.

It said the BRZ family is set to grow with the confirmation of the tS version — short for ‘tuned by STI’ — will join the brand’s showrooms in early 2024.

The BRZ tS was shown in prototype form last week at the annual SubiNats owners' festival in Sydney, Australia's largest annual gathering of Subaru enthusiasts.

Subaru Australia said that the BRZ tS is “a performance-focused variant that embodies the spirit of Subaru's dedication to delivering outstanding driving experiences.”

Compared with the standard BRZ, the tS version gets:

• STI-tuned suspensionto enhance handling and responsiveness.
• Front and rear Brembo brakesto maximise stopping power.
• Bespoke 18-inch dark-grey metallic alloy wheels
• Front and rear tS badging
• Red BRZ logo integrated into the front headlights
• Crystal-black door mirrors and shark fin antenna
• Bordeaux and black Ultrasuede and leather-accented interior with STI-embossed front seats
• STI red push-start button
• Exclusive instrument cluster with STI logo and Bordeaux highligh

Subaru's autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system, EyeSight, now become standard on manual transmission BRZ models.

Subaru Australia managing director Blair Read said the BRZ is a “fantastic all-round package” and that the tS version goes a step higher in handling, performance and design.

“The engineering attention to detail is what makes the BRZ the complete drivers package,” he said.

Subaru Australia will announce the availability and pricing of the BRZ tS closer to its 2024 launch.

In addition to news of the new BRZ model, Subaru Australia has shown a prototype ‘Boost Gear’ Crosstrek in Australia after it debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show in January.

Although not confirmed for production, the showing of the concept at SubiNats in Sydney triggered a lot of attention.

The Subaru Boost Gear Crosstrek concept features an array of off-road focused enhancements and accessories to extend its all-wheel drive capability and appeal to adventure-loving drivers, Subaru said. 

The concept features items based on customer feedback, but makes no changes to the drivetrain.

It has all-terrain tyres and a suspension lift kit to enhance its off-road ability.

External design includes a distinctive matte wrap and hood decal, front and rear underguard, and durable scratch-resistant paint on select external surfaces.

It also includes off-road accessory wheels, rally-style mud flaps and additional fog lamps, all accentuated by the signature ‘Subaru Boost Gear Crosstrek concept’ turquoise accents.

Subaru said that a major focus has been placed on user functionality and the integration of user-friendly features.

These include alloy side steps, a rubber bonnet protector and rubber lamp protector that conveniently serves as a support for bikes or skis, side cladding that transforms into a tool holder, a magnetic rear quarter tool or phone holder, a front wide fender providing a more rugged appearance and a bar function which can hold an action camera.

Additional features include a shade awning and storage platform by Rhino-Rack fitted with an LED light bar for outdoor activities and LED lights mounted in the front grille for those embarking on extensive treks.

Subaru’s Blair Read said the Boost Gear Crosstrek concept has gear that would enhance the owners’ use and enjoyment of their vehicle.

“We know our owners like to explore the outdoors thanks to the benefits of symmetrical all-wheel drive and this concept is a way we can extend their use of their vehicle even further,” he said.

“We are sharing the Subaru Boost Gear Crosstrek concept with our owners as we look at extending our offerings in this space,” Mr Read said.

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